Thursday, December 4, 2014

AAA Calls on Takata to Follow NHTSA’s Order to Support National Recall of Affected Air bags

Statement from AAA CEO Bob Darbelnet
ORLANDO, Fla., (December 3, 2014) – “It is unacceptable that Takata continues to defy an order by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) to facilitate a national recall of dangerous air bags. While Takata officials continue to publically apologize for the deaths associated with the faulty air bags, they simultaneously ignored a midnight deadline by NHTSA to order a national recall.”

“Defying NHTSA should not be an option as motorists remain in danger from defective air bag inflators. NHTSA should act swiftly to use its full authority to compel a nationwide recall as quickly as possible. If the Agency does not have sufficient authority, Congress should act to clarify and expand this ability – be it through more substantial fines or other measures. As time passes more motorists remain at risk from the faulty air bags that have been linked to at least five deaths.”

“AAA fully supports NHTSA’s call for a national recall of affected Takata air bags beyond the limited high-humidity areas where a recall has to date been focused. Vehicles are increasingly bought and sold across state lines and may move long distances across the country. It is unreasonable to assume that vehicles outside of high humidity regions are inherently safe so it is in the best interest of consumers to expand this recall to all states. Motorists’ safety is a national issue that is not confined by regional boundaries and should take precedence over profits. Takata’s refusal to cooperate with NHTSA’s investigation is unacceptable and demonstrates their failure to fully understand, address and report the scope of the air bag deficiencies as soon as the problem was identified. AAA is calling on Takata, car manufacturers, and all parties involved to ensure that a national recall is handled in a timely manner.”

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 54 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.